The Role of Vitamin D-Binding Protein, and Procalcitonin in Patients with Arthritis on Vitamin D

Background: Arthritis is a term often used to mean any disorder that affects joints. Symptoms generally include joint pain and stiffness. Other symptoms may include redness, warmth, swelling, and decreased range of motion of the affected joints. In some types of arthritis, other organs are also affected. Aim: This study aimed to identify the impact of vitamin D therapy on serum level of vitamin D-binding protein and procalcitonin in Patients with arthritis. Methods: This cross-sectional study, was conducted in Kirkuk city between January 1st and March 1st, 2024. A total of 180 subjects were included, categorized into three groups: arthritis patients not receiving vitamin D (Group 1), arthritis patients receiving vitamin D for at least 2 months (Group 2), and a control group comprising 40 healthy subjects. Blood samples were collected from participants, processed, and stored for subsequent analysis. Various biomarkers, including vitamin D-binding protein and procalcitonin, were determined using ELISA kits. Results: The study revealed a higher prevalence of females among arthritis patients (54.29%), with most affected individuals aged above 60 years. Urban residency was predominant among arthritis patients (75.71%). The majority of RA patients had been affected for 6-10 years (40%). Comparative analysis demonstrated significantly higher procalcitonin levels in RA patients without vitamin D supplementation (112.4±24.3 ng/ ml) compared to those with supplementation (48.33±10.73 ng/ml) and healthy controls (9.68±5.49 ng/ ml). Furthermore, vitamin D binding protein levels were significantly lower in arthritis patients without supplementation (1.26±0.12 ng/ml) compared to those with supplementation (0.75±0.15 ng/ml) and healthy controls (0.23±0.14 ng/ml). Conclusion: These findings underscore the potential role of vitamin D supplementation in modulating inflammatory markers and enhancing vitamin D binding protein levels in arthritis patients, suggesting its therapeutic implications in disease management.